Parking for visitors is available in:
If you decide to park on our Colchester Campus then you’re agreeing to our terms and conditions for cycling, driving and parking (.pdf). The University is private property. On every entrance there is a contract to enter sign with details of our parking rules as well as in each car park and at the information stations.
Parking payment
We operate a cashless parking system, you will either need to download the Parksmart app to your phone or log on via a web browser to make your payment after creating an account.
When you arrive:
- open the Parksmart app or internet page
- enter your registration number
- enter the amount of time you need to park for
- pay as prompted
- you can create an account if you wish
You don't need to display a ticket, but you can view payment history and obtain a receipt for your payment via the Parksmart app if you wish.
The parking location number for Colchester Campus is 1597.
Pay by text or WhatsApp
Send message Park to 0786 213 7275.
Parking charges
- Up to 2 hours: £2.70
- Up to 3 hours: £3.80
- Up to 4 hours: £5.00
- Up to 5 hours: £6.20
- All day: £8.60
Parking charges apply from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays and Christmas Day.
If you have any problems paying to park, please contact the Estates and Facilities Helpdesk on 01206 872959.
Information station locations
- Multi-storey car park (in the stairwells)
- Valley Car Park
- Essex Business School (in the foyer)
- North Towers causeway (entrance to main campus)
- Outside the Security and Safety Centre on Square 3
- Capon Road
Wivenhoe House and Constable Building car parks
Wivenhoe House Hotel car park is reserved for hotel guests. Parking permits should be from the hotel reception. A row of visitor parking in front of the Constable Building is reserved for the use of tenant visitors.
Motorcycles
Visitors can register to park a motorcycle on our Colchester Campus by emailing the Travel team at travel@essex.ac.uk or the Estates and Facilities helpdesk at ems-helpdesk@essex.ac.uk or by phoning 01206 872959. Registration is free and motorcycles will then be exempt from the pay and display charges.
Accessible parking
There are spaces available for disabled drivers in all the main car parks.
Visitor parking charges apply and payment can be made as detailed above.
If you have any problems paying to park please contact the Estates and Facilities Helpdesk. Please ensure you display your blue badge when parking in a designated space.
Electric vehicle charging
Visitors may use the charge points, subject to the terms and conditions below. Payment for parking is also required during the times shown on the car park notices.
Charging points location
Twelve electric vehicle charging points are available at Colchester Campus, there are six in the multi-storey car park and six in North Towers car park.
Using the chargers
Visitors must pay the daily parking fee in order to use the EV chargers. You will need to pay for parking via the Parksmart app or web page (see above) before charging your vehicle.
Wivenhoe House guests must have their vehicle registered at the Hotel reception.
Knowledge Gateway tenants must contact travel@essex.ac.uk to arrange registration before attempting to charge their vehicle.
To access the chargers you will need to download the Clenergy App and create an account. To use the chargers follow the instructions on the Clenergy website.
Please read the following instructions for charging an electric car (.pdf) to safely use the charge points.
When you have finished your charging session you are required to promptly move your vehicle to another parking space so other EV drivers can charge their cars. Our parking rules state that you must be actively charging in order to use an EV charging space. If users do not move their vehicles we may introduce an overstay fee.
Charging costs
The cost to charge your vehicle is currently 50p per kWh.
Clean Air Colchester CAReless Pollution campaign
The University of Essex Travel and Transport Team is keen to support the Clean Air Colchester CAReless Pollution campaign to prevent unnecessary idling and promote better environmental practices on campus. By encouraging visitors, staff and students to respond to the emissions issue, we aim to reduce pollution and improve our community's health. We request all motorists on site switch off their engines when stationary.
For more information on how you can become involved please visit the Clean Air Colchester website.